KUCHING: The upgrading project for Matang Baru Road Phase Two is showing positive progress, with physical completion now at 62 per cent despite being slightly behind the original schedule.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo said the RM77.43 million project involves the construction of a 4.4-kilometre road stretching from Matang Jaya to the Batu Kawa-Matang junction.
“As of now, the project is 62 per cent complete, about 3.58 per cent behind the original schedule, and is expected to be fully completed by August 2026.
“However, based on the contractor’s current performance, we hope the project can be completed earlier than scheduled,” he said when met by reporters during an Infrastructure Development Working Visit to the Matang Baru Phase Two Road, Friday (Aug 1).
Commenting on the cause of the delay, Aidel explained that the scattered locations of utility services were among the main contributing factors.
“Utility and telecommunication services had to be relocated to new sites to allow the upgrading project to proceed smoothly.
“All these facilities have now been moved to locations designated by the relevant authorities, a process that took quite some time to complete. Nevertheless, other upgrading works are progressing smoothly.”
Meanwhile, Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman expressed hope that the project could be completed earlier as it serves thousands of motorists daily.
“This Matang Baru Road Phase Two project is one of my major concerns as it is a main route for many people.
“I am constantly in contact with Datuk Ir Aidel and have requested that it be expedited, and I am thankful that the ministry always responds promptly.”
Fazzrudin also expressed his wish for the project to be completed by January or February next year at the latest, so as not to inconvenience road users in the Matang area.
